before uses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before uses" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to refer to actions or instances that occur prior to the use of something, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "Please ensure that all safety protocols are followed before uses of the equipment."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

L'isola del giorno prima (1995; The Island of the Day Before) uses fictional epistolary fragments pieced together with narration by Eco himself to trace the peregrinations of a 17th-century Italian nobleman who is drawn into the search for a means of measuring longitude.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The SDN architecture, as has been highlighted before, uses many of the programmability concepts of earlier projects.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The DPP IV enzyme powder (≥10 units/mg protein) was re-dissolved in 1 ml of 100 mM Tris buffer (pH 8.0) as a stock enzyme solution and a 50-fold dilution before uses as a working enzyme solution.

Botanical Studies

Thus, his Egyptian music (like Verdi's a century before) uses flutes and harp-like instruments, but expands the palette to include bass flutes, tuned gongs and the clattering harpsichord, frequently built over jazz grooves and riffs to indicate the African nature of Egypt.

Huffington Post

This method of standardisation, which has been used before, uses 20 mg of enalapril as reference dose [ 15].

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Always shake before using.

WikiHow

Test always before using.

WikiHow

Let everything dry before using.

WikiHow

Then flour them before use.

WikiHow

Shake the spray before using.

WikiHow

Allow to dry before use.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to actions before using something, prefer grammatically correct alternatives like "prior to use" or "before use" for clear and professional communication.

Common error

Avoid using "before uses" as it's grammatically incorrect. Always opt for phrases such as "before use" or "prior to using" to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before uses" functions as an introductory element specifying the timing of an action relative to the act of using something. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not grammatically correct. Instead consider the suggested alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before uses" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig provides a range of examples where the phrase appears, but also indicates its non-standard nature. For clearer and more professional communication, it's best to use alternatives such as "before use", "prior to use", or "before using". These alternatives ensure grammatical correctness and enhance clarity, making your writing more credible across various contexts. While some authoritative sources such as the New York Times or Encyclopedia Britannica have examples of the usage of the terms, the grammatical error makes the phrase to be avoided in favour of more adequate options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to use

More formal and grammatically correct alternative using a prepositional phrase.

before use

Slightly more concise and grammatically sound alternative.

before utilizing

Replaces the noun "uses" with the gerund "utilizing", providing a more active and grammatically correct construction.

prior to utilizing

Combines formality with the active voice of "utilizing".

before application

Suitable when referring to the use of a product or substance.

before employing

A more formal alternative to using, appropriate in technical or professional contexts.

before implementation

Suitable when referring to the use of a strategy or system.

in advance of use

Emphasizes the preparatory nature of the action.

ahead of use

Informal synonym of "in advance of use".

preceding use

Formal and emphasizes the temporal order of events.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "before uses"?

The grammatically correct alternatives include "before use", "prior to use", or "before using". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "before uses" grammatically correct?

No, "before uses" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Use alternatives like "before use" or "prior to using" instead.

What can I say instead of "before uses"?

You can use alternatives like "before use", "prior to use", or "before utilizing" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "before uses" and "before use"?

"Before uses" is grammatically incorrect. "Before use" is the correct and more concise way to express the action happening prior to something being used.